Swedish football historian and statistician Claes-Goran Bengtsson confirmed that 21 goals in a game was a Swedish record, but the gloss was taken off Manzizila's achievement when Balrog subsequently withdrew from the league.

Their decision means the 21 goals will be chalked off - as will all the team's results for the season - although Manzizila's individual scoring record will stand.

"There's not much that can be done about it," Manzizila said on receiving the news that his goals wouldn't count towards his season target.

"I'll have to be happy with the fact that I broke (the record) and continue to focus on scoring a hundred goals instead."